I Am a Published Author!!!

I never would believe it, if I didn't have a copy of the book in my hand! I have always dreamed of publishing a children's book. In fact, it was part of my bucket list. I started writing my book as a short story for a creative writing class I was taking at UAA a few years back. Once my story started to come together, I started thinking "Man this would be a good book idea!"

Once it got into my head, that Irigak would be a published piece, I began editing and changing the story and adding bits and pieces here and there. I emailed local publishing companies. Only one got back to me with suggestions about my story. I waited another year and got restless. I wanted my book published. I also wanted illustrations so I started asking around, but potential artists had other projects they were working on or were too busy. So, my book is without illustrations, but still a great read!

Getting published has proved to be quite the task. I got busy with life and raising kids. I gave birth to Cassidy two years ago, so taking care of a new baby became my top priority. It also took a lot of my time and energy to work full-time, take classes, and take care of a baby. With everything going on in my life and no word from publishing companies, I gave up hope in my dream. Because I didn't hear back from publishers, I forgot about my story.

Then one day, my computer started acting up, so I started to clean up old files and came across Irigak. I decided it was time to do something with it. I began searching for self-publishing websites and tweaked my story again until I was satisfied with it. Irigak was definitely not something I came up with overnight. It was work, but there is a sense of accomplishment that will always stay with me. I, Amber Cunningham, a small-town girl from Unalakleet, Alaska published an Alaskan children's book. Now, that is something to be proud of.

My advice to you readers is to never give up on your dreams. Life is too short to live without fully giving your all in everything you do. If you want to publish a book, make it happen. If you want to travel the world, do it! Don't worry about the expense. You will not regret your decisions.